PREDICTING CHANGES IN THE PLAN SHAPE OF BEACHES

W.A. Price, K.W. Tomlinson, D.H. Willis

Abstract

A mathematical model is described that is capable of predicting changes in the plan shape of a beach following the construction of sea defences or an alteration in the wave climate. The rate of change is calculated. The technique is illustrated by comparing model predictions with results from experiments carried out in a wave basin. The importance of the method in estimating coastal changes due to offshore dredging is mentioned, and the future development of the mathematical approach is outlined.